Handworks Crochet and then Some!

Here is my Corset top, made last week using S2440... Fabric was from Gail K's in ATL. The pattern is for a full formal dress but as you can see I only used the bodice... Its another one of those great cup size option patterns that makes my sewing life so easy! I added boning on all seams and straps. Changed the back zipper to a side zipper.Very easy to make. Ha! My new hand bag.... using another one of Ellen Medlock's patterns.... this is my 'Cheshire cat' handbag. Now this isn't really Cheshire cat fabric but thats what it reminds me of... you know when he disappears and alls left is his eyes and singing smiling mouth... Ofcourse the inside is lined with something silly... I love it! Its goofy and cute, with plenty of room! Here's the pants I made last week... they are finished now and like all the other pants I've made from this RTW copy the fit is right on. I got this fabric at Goodwill.... 5yrds for like $3! This week my sewing room is getting a bit of...

I LOVE this bag.... Its another Ellen Medlock pattern. Its called the Karma Bag! My mom and I both took a class at the sewing expo 2 yrs ago and made one... but I didn't like the fabric they gave us so I gave it away.... and after 2 yrs I finally get around to making another one... In fabric I do like! This is vintage fabric from the attic of my great aunt in Nashville.... Mildred. The inside is lined with some adorable Scottie dog fabric I bought at Jo anns .... left over scraps from a wrap I made my mom for Christmas one year. The EXTRA awesome thing about this bag is its exchangeable because of the way the hardware is made.... just twist off two of the little tips... slide this purse off another on... twist caps on and you're off with a different bag! Now I gotta make some different bags to go with this! Which should help my ailing purse wardrobe.... cause I really love this bag! My B-day was last month (big 36!) and this is what mom gave me.... An adorable and much ne...

Here is the tunic I made a couple of weeks ago.... I took an extra couple of inches off the sides to give a better fit since I don't like super loose tunics. Believe it or not this is not embroidery.... its a decorative stitch on my Pfaff machine!!! One of the "maxi stitches"!! Love it!! On the cuff too.... This is an Ellen Medlock pattern... I love a messenger bag for everyday use. Its perfect for everything I carry, plenty of room for extra pockets and big enough for a book (in case I'm waiting on my son to get done with one of his lessons) I used a faux leather type fabric, appliqued on a Mola' I bought in Panama.... And lined it in a fabric covered in hearts!!! lol!!! Hey.. it was close to Valentines day when I was making it! On the embroidery machine I'm working on a wool navy coat I bought at a thrift store... I've had it for awhile but couldn't figure out exactly how to re make it. Then I saw this in a Jenny Haskins magazine and knew... thats t...

I have been on the ball lately in the sewing room and working my crochet hook.... First to see the first 2 tops I made for the Month of Tops sew along click here: My TOPS Now.... I took this pic last week. I actually fished it TODAY! I have never quilted before... not really.... which is kinda wrong since my mom is a quilter! But I've always been more into clothing and I would have never made this if it wasn't our project/class for Pfaff club at sewing Machine etc. here in Knoxville. You know what... I loved making it! It was fun! Relaxing, even!! Here's a closer look at my sad quilting! But its good for a 1st timer!! I think..... lol!! We embellished the pumpkins using decorative stitches, couching, buttons, rhinestones... whatever! Lots of fun! I can't wait till our next class! Purses... I was in much need of purses this year. As you know if you've been reading my blog for long I'm not a fan of making purses... but the purses I want to buy cost stupid m...

Oh, how I love spring!!!!! But its been such a crazy busy time with The Bald Mans new business, cooking ALL the time, putting the embroidery machine to use, sewing, crocheting and more sewing Now the BIG project I talked about before has been done for about 2 weeks... Its all started with a Roberto Cavalli dress I saw in WWD last fall. Inspiration!!! YES!!!! I found a similar pattern V8636, then splurged on Pfaffs Magnificent Floral embroidery CD. I made the dress (fitting nightmare in the bust!!!) then embroidered all the applique flower petals, leaves, vines and buds on organza.... Put them all together on the side skirt of the dress.... and then hand beaded the empire waistline... also later I went back and hand beaded the trim all the way around the very plunged neckline! The ends of the sash have hand beaded fringe with tiny crosses. I also sparingly scattered swarovski 2mm amethyst crystals to the flower. I just love it... its better than I had imagined in my head.... I'v...

Here is my "Panama Dress" from fabric I bought in... yes Panama! Its actually a skirt and top but it does look like a dress. No pattern, all draped. The skirt is made up of 4 separate long triangle panels that are that are rounded at the bottom. There's ALOT of movement in the skirt. The top is a fitted band around the waist and the top bust part is only attached in the back and at the sides so the bust part makes a pretty drape and I could get the waist part super tight and fitted. I hand knit the belt out of some beautiful copper yarn I got up in Philly and attached it to the skirt. The purse is some fabric I got at the sewing expo last year and is covered in tiny black poodles. It draws up at the top and through a little black crocheted doily I made that I covered in crystals. The pattern for the purse is called Circle Purse and I can't remember the designer!!! Someone asked me where I bought this dress when I wore it out last Tues. and yes I beamed when I said ...

Here are some pics of projects I completed ... hmmmmm .... a little while ago! First... Bald Man's Italian Tweed Linen Blazer... which was supposed to be a whole suit but I didn't have enough fabric for the pants.... he's still pouting about it too! Its not that it was hard... but very time consuming .... for some reason it looks like theres a spot on this pic.... I admit I prayed while making this collar.... oh! and the pockets... ok the whole thing! I am very happy with the way it turned out all except the sleeve vents... I'll get'em done better next time! lol !!!!! if there is a next time! My Bald Man ofcourse is super happy with it! and loves it!!! The following bags were made from New Look 6574 which I have used countless times for bags! Here's my thrift store suede patch skirt... now a cute handbag! Embellished with part of an old chain belt and some buttons taken off an old blazer. The inside has a zipper pocket and two open pockets, lined with ...